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Reuters

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho complained about a "witch-hunt" by the footballing authorities against Diego Costa ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League Group G match at Porto.
The Spain striker was banned retrospectively for three domestic matches by the English FA after being found guilty of violent conduct in the 2-0 win over Arsenal earlier this month.
Costa was unavailable for Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Newcastle United but will be back for Chelsea’s Champions League meeting with Mourinho’s former club Porto.

Asked by a reporter where his team would be if they had 11 Costas, Mourinho replied: "I think we would lose every game because the desire to suspend him is so big that you wouldn’t have enough players to start the game.
READ MORE: Can trip back to Porto revitalise Mourinho's men?
"I am happy to only have one and let him play until they decide to suspend him again. There is a witch-hunt going on against him."
Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas, addressing the same news conference, agreed.

It’s very unfair what has happened to him
Cesc Fabregas
"[Costa is] frustrated and rightly so," said Fabregas. "We all know why he is. Some people understand it, some people don’t.
"It’s very unfair what has happened to him. He’s a key player for us...a player who has to score our goals and finish our moves.
Read all our Champions League coverage here
"If you want to win this competition you all have to be at the top of your game but you also need your big players to perform, he’s one of them for sure," added Fabregas.

Chelsea won their opening Champions League game of the season, 4-0 at home to Maccabi Tel Aviv, but their form has been poor in the Premier League where the title holders are sixth from bottom.
"Away games in the Champions League are always difficult," said Mourinho. "They are a big side and want to win but Porto know they will not face a weak team.
"The fact Porto are top of the Portuguese league is totally normal because of the quality of their squad.

"To be untouchable, you have to be consistent. Right now we have fantastic players but football is about today, not yesterday.
"To be untouchable in football, only consistency can give you that status."
Mourinho refused to be drawn on Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas, a player he had a strained relationship with during their time together at Real Madrid.
"I know what you’re going to ask," the Portuguese said as he cut off a reporter’s question. "I’ll salute Casillas tomorrow but there’s no point wasting time discussing it."


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Uefa Champions League 2015-16

There’s a witch-hunt against Diego Costa, says Mourinho as he warns Chelsea players that none are ‘untouchable’

Jose Mourinho returns to his old team Porto in the Champions League. Photo: EPA

"Diego, how many players are you going to kick in your next game?" Photo: AP

Jose Mourinho quantifies the level of his respect for referees. Photo: AP

Cesc Fabregas says the treatment of Diego Costa is unfair. Photo: AFP

Cesc Fabregas speaks to the press. Photo: AP

Diego Costa in training for Chelsea. Photo: AFP

Sparks fly between Mourinho and Wenger as Diego Costa gets under Arsenal’s skin

Diego Costa and Gabriel exchange pleasantries. Photo: AP

Players separate Gabriel and Diego Costa. Photo: AP

Gabriel took the bait as Diego Costa wound him up. Photo: EPA

Santi Cazorla sees red late on. Photo: EPA

Petr Cech can't save Eden Hazard's deflected shot for 2-0. Photo: Reuters

Kurt Zouma celebrates his goal. Photo: Reuters

Brazil legend Pele: Diego Costa would hardly have been noticed in my day and Luis Suarez is much worse

Pele at an exhibition of art about him. Photo: AFP

Pele with a painting of himself. Photo: AFP

Pele arrives at the art gallery. Photo: AFP

Pele doesn't see what all the fuss is about over Diego Costa. Photo: Reuters

Chelsea fury as Diego Costa is banned for three games – but Arsenal’s Gabriel has his ban overturned

Diego Costa and Gabriel are separated by teammates. Photo: AP

Gabriel kicked out at Diego Costa after the Chelsea player's spat with Koscielny. Photo: AFP

Diego Costa and Gabriel face off. Photo: Reuters

The 9 craziest stories from Chelsea star Diego Costa's new biography

Diego Costa and Martin Skrtel have a friendly chat. Photo: Reuters

Diego Costa back in action in pre-season for Chelsea. Photo: Reuters

Diego Costa's never-give-up attitude occasionally has led to some gruesome injuries like this gash suffered while scoring a goal for Atletico. Photo: AP <

Diego Costa is loved by his teammates - and feared by opponents. Photo: AFP 

Diego Costa: The Art of War is a fascinating recount of the controversial striker's early days. 

Sport

Football

If I played with 11 Costas, I'd never have enough players to field a team says coach


Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho complained about a "witch-hunt" by the footballing authorities against Diego Costa ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League Group G match at Porto


There’s a witch-hunt against Diego Costa, says Mourinho as he warns Chelsea players that none are ‘untouchable’

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}If I played with 11 Costas, I'd never have enough players to field a team says coach

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}READ MORE: Can trip back to Porto revitalise Mourinho's men?

If I played with 11 Costas, I'd never have enough players to field a team says coach

READ MORE: Can trip back to Porto revitalise Mourinho's men?